A comparison between select open source and proprietary integrated library systems
| Pages | 435-454 |
| Date | 02 September 2013 |
| Published date | 02 September 2013 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/LHT-01-2013-0003 |
| Author | Joseph Pruett,Namjoo Choi |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science,Librarianship/library management,Library technology |
A comparison between select
open source and proprietary
integrated library systems
Joseph Pruett and Namjoo Choi
School of Library and Information Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington,
Kentucky, USA
Abstract
Purpose – As libraries face budget cuts, open source integrated library systems are an attractive
alternative to proprietary choices. Even though open source software is free to acquire, administrators
must consider factors other than initial purchase price. This study aims to provide direction and
context for libraries considering migration to an open source integrated library system.
Design/methodology/approach – The comparison is qualitative and uses case studies, license
agreements and copyright law, and user manuals and brochures. These comparisons divide into four
areas: functions, adoption and technical support, usability, and economics.
Findings – Major functions that libraries need in an integrated library system are available for open
source software. There are no significant differences in usability between open source and proprietary
integrated library systems. Internal IT provides a significant role in open source adoption. The
relatively new type of open source software licensing may cause confusion for libraries and software
developers.
Originality/value – This study considers initial migrations to open source integrated library
systems as a key component in overall software adoption. The study qualitatively examines the
migration process comparing extant case studies. In addition, the examination of licensing agreements
and copyright as well as a comparative review of essential functions are provided.
Keywords Open source, Opensource software, Library systems,Integrated library systems,
Library managementsystems, Software licenses,Usability, Technical support
Paper type Research paper
1. Introduction
Libraries have a long tradition for using technology to organize information, improv e
access to information, and manifest library information systems. Information
professionals create and maintain library systems in order to fulfill user needs in a
complex information society. Most of this work falls within the context of library
technical services. Technical services include identif ying, selecting, acquiring,
organizing, and preparing information resources for patrons to use (Evans et al.,
2011). The creation, implementation, promulgation, and maintenance of library
information systems require an incredible amount of coordination between information
professionals and others outside of the library. As a product of this cooperation
libraries and private companies developed the modern Integrated Library Systems
(ILS) (Brown-Syed, 2011).
ILS are software applications and hardware that organize, track, and make
accessible library information resources (Breeding, 2008). Modules compose the basic
architecture of these systems and represent some facet of library operations (Breeding,
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/0737-8831.htm
Open source
integrated
library systems
435
Received 16 January 2013
Revised 8 February 2013
21 February 2013
Accepted 23 March 2013
Library Hi Tech
Vol. 31 No. 3, 2013
pp. 435-454
qEmerald Group Publishing Limited
0737-8831
DOI 10.1108/LHT-01-2013-0003
2008). For example, there are circulations, online public access catalog (OPAC),
authority control, inter-library loan, and serials control modules that comprise an ILS
(Fayen, 2011). Of course, this kind of technology in the service of libraries does not
come without a price. In fact, ILS comprise, as Webber and Peters (2010) point out, “the
most important and crucial purchase,” for library administrators to consider in total
cost of library operations. Due to the necessity and demand for ILS, price is a major
issue for most libraries, which face shrinking budgets (Donnelly, 2010).
Open source software (OSS) ILS provides a valuable alternative to proprietary
systems. Key characteristics of OSS include free distribution, openly available source
code, and permission for modification of software (Subramanyam and Xia, 2008). To
assuage any fears that library administrators may have in adopting these open source
alternatives, this study organizes an explanation of their benefits into four areas:
functions, adoption and technical support, usability, and economics. To illustrate the
general nature and benefits of open source ILS, two major systems of this type,
i.e. Evergreen and Koha, are compared with two major proprietary ILS,
i.e. Sirsi-Dynix’s Symphony and Ex Libris’ Voyager. The comparison provides
direction for library administrators considering open source ILS adoption[1].
2. Literature review
While its application to ILS is relatively new, the subject of open source saturate s
business and information systems (IS) literature. The promising concept of OSS is
tempered with debates that center on economic feasibility, legal recourse, business and
organizational models, and usability. Ven et al. (2008) give an introduction to main
points of contention such as: total cost, whether availability of source code is truly
advantageous, software maturity, the realities of vendor lock-in, and technical support
options. Quantitative and qualitative economic studies have supported open source.
Forge (2006) examined the need for work-force skills restructuring in Europe.
Observing the impact of information technologies (IT) on GDP, Forge (2006) suggests
open source as a solution for economic growth. Ghosh (2003) views open source as an
“enabler” and follows rhetoric similar to Forge (2006), with particular application to
developing countries. Khalak (2000) examined the sustainability of open source
products using a computational simulation. As a result of the simulation, K halak (2000)
concluded that lower purchase price alone does not guarantee the market dominance of
OSS, and it must gain a certain amount of customers who are dissatisfied with
proprietary pricing in order to gain control of the market. Ajila and Wu (2007)
surveyed IT companies regarding their experiences with OSS components that are
used to create new software. The results show that OSS components are of high quality
compared to proprietary equivalents. In addition to economics and product quality,
social and organizational factors influence the adoption of OSS. The availability of
internal IT personnel can greatly reduce the cost of OSS migrations (Li et al., 2005).
Spirov (2007) investigated several non-technical factors affecting OSS adoption in large
scale enterprises, including personal motivation, organizational culture, and even age
and gender. Goode (2005) lists lack of relevance, lack of support, and lack of need as
primary reasons that managers do not choose open source over proprietary software.
Huysmans et al. (2008) document the decision-making process within the Belgian
Federal Public Service Economy and that cost and government guidelines constituted
primary reasons for rejection of the OpenOffice.org productivity suite.
LHT
31,3
436
To continue reading
Request your trial